For the first time ever, I have the honour of covering 3 of the most prestigious yacht races on the Australian Ocean racing Calendar:
- 2018 Cock of the Bay Yacht Race (precursor to the Melb-Hobart) Port Phillip Bay
- 2018 Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster – considered one of the most dangerous races in the world – more so than even the Sydney Hobart
- 2018 Rudder Cup Melbourne to Devenport Yacht Race
I was originally commissioned by my agency to supply news coverage of the events but somewhere along the line I’m now supplying the official images for the organisers, the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) – no pressure!
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous – actually I’m terrified. I’m no stranger to racing, even ocean racing. I used to be fore-deck on a highly competitive Grand Prix boat called XLR8 and I’ve sailed all my life.
But shooting a boat, is a very different kettle of fish. Firstly, not only is the subject moving but I’ll be working on a media boat that will also be moving. My camera gear will get covered in salt water, I’ll need to keep the lens clear, make sure I don’t drop anything into the ocean (or drown), and at the same time, take somewhat professional images that people might be interesting in hanging on their wall!
So there’s some challenges that are completely new to me and I suppose only experience will be able to overcome. One thing is for sure – this is no Motorsport event and so all of my experience, skill and knowledge will add up to mostly zero!
I can’t wait!
If you’re looking for something to do on Boxing day or the 27th, come and take a look! The weather is forecast to be perfect…
Spectator information:
Cock of the Bay – 26th December
Race Start Time: 10.30am
Race Start Location: In the vicinity of Station Pier, Port Melbourne
Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster & Melbourne to Devenport – 27th December
Race Start Time: 12.00pm
Race Start Location: Portsea Pier, Portsea
For more information, visit: